Advertisement

Tanzania satellite launch beckons

PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa said on Thursday that the government is committed to continuing with the implementation of the five-year strategic plan for 2024/25 – 2029/30 on space exploration that will enable the country to launch satellites.

DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa said on Thursday that the government is committed to continuing with the implementation of the five-year strategic plan for 2024/25 – 2029/30 on space exploration that will enable the country to launch satellites.

Speaking during the 8th Annual ICT Conference held at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam, the Premier said the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology has secured a research project aimed at facilitating satellite launches, overseen by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

The Premier represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the conference that brought together stakeholders from various agencies, ministries and organisations.

Advertisement

“In this area, preparations for the formulation of policies, laws and ratification of international treaties related to outer space are ongong,” said Mr Majaliwa.

He urged the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology to gather innovative younger people who are capable of designing technologies beneficial to the nation so that they can participate in various innovative projects.

“You must look into the research projects that yield results and allow those young people to continue receiving opportunities, so that their work can benefit the community and be put to use,” he explained.

ALSO READ: New horizons: How India, Tanzania can collaborate in satellite and space investment.

He also instructed the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology to ensure the construction of innovation hubs in the approved regions is carried out as planned.

Moreover, the Premier insisted that digital transformation is essential and that this journey should not leave anyone behind, particularly regarding inclusive financial systems.

He said: “As you may remember, the government launched the N-Card system in 2020, which has successfully connected not less than four million people to date. This system has greatly helped in reducing financial losses.” He added that this system has helped to broaden revenue collection.

“I call on the ministry to ensure that many areas where the government has invested utilise the N-Card system. This system is crucial in preventing the loss of government funds and helping citizens move away from cash transactions to using digital financial methods,” said the PM.

Furthermore, Mr Majaliwa called on the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology to promote the use of ICT in service delivery, business and production to enhance transparency, efficiency and improve the economic and social lives of citizens.

On his part, Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Jerry Silaa stated that the government continues to invest in communication infrastructure.

“For the 2023/24 fiscal year, a total of 1,592 kilometres of the national fiber optic network was constructed, reaching 83 districts,” he said.

Moreover, the minister said a consortium of telecom operators built a total of 2,595 kilometres, making the national fiber optic network to reach to 13,820 kilometres.

He added that the ministry has also transferred all activities related to the construction of the national communication fibre optic network and the National Data Centre (NIDC) to the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL).” Moreover, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas commended President Samia for her efforts to ensure that Tanzania leverages the growth of the ICT sector to drive sustainable development.